Every year in the United States, on average, more than 100,000 people get an eye lift procedure. An eye lift removes excess skin and fat from the eye area, resulting in brighter, more refreshed eyes.
Keep reading to learn more about this procedure and how you can prepare for it.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, or an eye lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from your eyelids. As you age, your eyelids can stretch and the underlying muscles can weaken. These changes may lead to excess fat and skin gathering around your eyelids, giving you bags under your eyes and causing sagging eyebrows.
Blepharoplasty is an option if you have:
- Excess skin on the lower eyelids
- Excess skin on the upper eyelids that blocks peripheral vision
- Baggy or drooping upper eyelids
- Under eye bags
You can have an eye lift at the same time as other procedures like a brow lift, a facelift, or skin resurfacing.
The Consultation
To have an eye lift, you need to schedule a consultation to see if you are a good candidate. Your surgeon will examine your eyes and ask for your full medical history. Let them know about any medications and supplements you take. The surgeon will ask you whether you have:
- Cardiovascular disease
- History of smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Blood clotting issues
- Thyroid problems
- Unusual tendency to scar
- Glaucoma
- Dry eyes
- Detached retina
During the consultation, the surgeon will also want to know about your goals and expectations for the procedure. This is the time to ask questions as well. You may want to know more about the procedure, where it will take place, and what the anesthesia options are.
The surgeon will also remind you that you will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure, so you will need to arrange transportation. You may also want to have someone at home ready to help you for the first couple of days after surgery.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before you can have eye lift surgery, your surgeon will likely schedule a few exams. One of these might be an eye exam to monitor tear production and to measure parts of your eyelids.
You may also need to have a visual field test to see if there are blind spots in your peripheral vision. Your surgeon might also take pictures from various angles to help them plan the surgery.
Medications
Before your surgery, it’s important to stop taking blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory medications and supplements, including:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen sodium
- Warfarin
- Fish oil
- Vitamin E
- St. John’s Wort
You should always talk with the surgeon and your general practitioner before stopping any medications.
What to Avoid
Two weeks before the surgery, you should stop smoking. Smoking can make the healing process more complex.
You also want to avoid sun damage, so wear sunscreen every day as you get closer to your surgery date.
Avoid alcohol for a few days before the procedure, and make sure that you stay hydrated. Eight hours before surgery, remember to stop all eating and drinking — even water and chewing gum.
Achieve More Youthful Eyes
If you want to refresh your eyes, an eye lift could be the perfect solution for you.
At Cohen Plastic Surgery in Nassau County and NYC, you can choose from many plastic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and mommy makeovers.
With experts who have years of experience offering these procedures, you can trust that you’re in the best of hands. Call today to schedule your consultation.